Police are seeking citizen involvement to help officers tackle the challenge of preventing and covering graffiti, said Capt. Mike Herb, department spokesperson.

"We can't be everywhere all the time," Herb said. "One of the best ways to fight graffiti is to make sure it's covered up and painted over as soon as possible."

Matt Roberge, a 29-year-old Forest Grove resident, would also like to see the graffiti covered. He frequently walks his dog around town and has noticed "there always seems to be something new" graffitied on local fences or buildings.

"I've lived in Forest Grove for 14 years now," he said. "And I've never seen it like this."

Roberge said he doesn't know how to stop graffiti, but he would be interested in joining a group to confront the issue.

A citizen task force is exactly what police have in mind, Herb said.

"We are going to tackle this full force," Herb said. "We're going to be very aggressive in our efforts to curb this now."

These efforts include increased patrols and surveillance along with forming the task force. It's important to eliminate the graffiti now, Herb said, because it could be a precursor to more serious problems.

"Much of it does appear to be gang-affiliated graffiti," he said. "Usually it's this type of graffiti, and the messages in that graffiti, that precedes an increase in gang-related activity."

Though the department has not seen much of a jump in gang activity at this point, Herb worries that could change. Officers responded to a fight on Feb. 17 on the 3800 block of Pacific Avenue that is possibly gang-related, though the investigation continues, Herb said.

Roberge said the ties between graffiti and gangs could deter citizens who might otherwise join a task force.

"I think a lot of people would be afraid of retribution from these groups that are doing it," he said.

Herb said a couple areas have seen particularly notable increases in graffiti reports, including several streets near Forest Grove High School.

Citizens who are interested in learning more about forming a task force and handling graffiti can contact the police department at 503-992-3260. Citizens can report graffiti by calling 503-629-0111, and should call 9-1-1 if they see graffiti in progress.